Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2006-07: The center played his hockey with the Lincoln Stars (USHL) this season, netting 11 goals and 27 points in 49 games. Played with Madison Capitols AAA team before hand.

2007-08: The son of former Badgers great and “Miracle on Ice” player Mark Johnson completed an outstanding freshman season at the University of Wisconsin, where he finished second on the team in rookie scoring with 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists).

2008-09: The University of Wisconsin (WCHA) center netted three goals and seven points in 35 games in his second season as a Badger.

2009-10: Returning to the NCAA ranks, the Madison native would be unable to improve upon his sophomore season, once more only scoring 3 goals and 7 points.

Talent Analysis

Johnson is a small, scrappy forward with lots of energy that is fun to watch. His quickness and fiercely competitive nature, especially where puck possession is concerned make Johnson a difficult player to defend against. He possesses quick feet and a good burst of speed. He is very good along the boards and is willing to take the punishment in front of the net to make plays. Johnson very poised with the puck, and possesses great vision and hockey sense as well. He can also play in any type of situation.

One attribute that stands out about Johnson is how he is able to effectively compensate for his lack of size in the defensive zone. He does a remarkably good job with his body positioning, and along with his outstanding stick work, he is able to successfully defend against and strip pucks from opposing players.

Future

Photo: Selected in the second round of the 2008 draft, forward Danny Kristo appears to have a promising NHL career ahead of him. (courtesy of Brace Hemmelgarn/Icon SMI)

In the 2007-08 regular season, the Montreal Canadiens finished first overall in the Eastern Conference before beating their archrivals, the Boston Bruins in the first round of the NHL playoffs in game seven. The team would eventually bow out in five games to the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.